Contrary to popular belief, owning a boat is not a luxury exclusive to rich yacht owners. There is a vast range of options available for the casual boat user, whether you want to take up fishing as a hobby or are looking for a vessel that allows you and your loved ones to enjoy the water recreationally. Granted, boats can be an expensive investment.
Fortunately, you can test the waters, so to speak, with a used boat that is much more affordable and offers you the opportunity to decide if purchasing a brand-new boat down the road will be a worthwhile long-term investment. Nonetheless, to capitalise on your initial purchase, you need to know how to whittle down your options. To help you do this, check out the following straightforward guide for newbies looking to purchase the right used boat.
Establish the type of boat suited to your activities
As aforementioned, different people would like to get into boating for various reasons. Hence, before you can put any money down, you need to establish which model will be the best option for your activities. For instance, do you need a boat so that you can tow skis whenever you are out on the water? Alternately, are you searching for a boat to entertain friends and loved ones on the water? You should also determine the frequency at which you will be using this boat, as this would dictate your storage needs.
For example, if you will be out on the water for most of the year, you may want to invest in a trailer so that you can transport your boat to the marine whenever you need to. Conversely, you may prefer to pay for dockage if you do not have sufficient space at your residence. All these factors will come into play when establishing the right model for your used boat.
Carry out a comprehensive inspection
Once you have your preferred models in mind, you may be tempted to go ahead and pay for the boat. But this is will be a massive mistake if you have not carried out a thorough examination of its condition. Considering that you are not familiar with what to look for, it is essential to have a marine mechanic with you, as they will easily spot issues that you may not with an untrained eye.
The first step towards carrying out this investigation is assessing the physical condition of the used boat. Be wary of signs such as damages to the timber, flaws in the fibreglass, cracks and dents on the body and more. Additionally, check the condition of the engine by starting it up and paying keen attention to how it sounds when it is running. Rough starts, smoke emissions and so on will translate into the need for engine repairs.
Contact a dealership that has used boats for sale to learn more.
